Riley County Commission mtg 4-29-10

All three Commissioners present. After routine business, Clancy Holeman conducted an Administrative Session. Major consideration was of the City's proposal to discuss the budget of the RCPD at a City/County Commission meeting. Commissioners were in agreement that this item properly belongs to the Law Board, which was specifically designed to provide representation of both governing bodies as well as citizens at large, to remove competitive and political considerations from Police matters.Mr. Kearns emphasized that the Law Board IS a representative body, constituted to make decisions and manage RCPD affairs It should operate without interference from either City or County Boards, which are both well represented. Holeman will prepare a letter for Commissioners' signatures, to that effect.

Barbara Withee, in company with Jean Lee, Barbara Hayter, and Ann Smith, made a presentation on LWVUS issue of Judicial Diversity. It was agreed that it should be printed here in its entirety:

"I am here today as a member of the Manhattan/Riley County League of Women Voters. Nationwide the League has a long history of promoting the importance of fair and impartial courts. Out state and local Leagues in Kansas are participating in a national League of Women Voters initiative "Safeguarding US. Democracy: A Quest for a More Diverse Judiciary."

"During the next two years, 2010-201, the eight Leagues in Kansas will be participating in a two year effort to draw attention to the diversity, or lack thereof, in the judiciary system in Kansas. We are planning local projects and events that will help educate the public about the benefits of a judiciary that mirrors the diversity percentages in the state's population These state wide efforts will be promoting diversity at all levels of the state judiciary to enhance our system of justice in the eyes of an increasingly diverse public.

"Included in your packet of information is a table that demonstrates the disparity that currently exists in Kansas judicial districts. It shows that, while females comprise 50% of the population of Kansas, only 17% of the judiciary is female. Almost 7% of Kansans are African-American and only 1.5% of the judiciary is African-American. The percentages are even lower for Latinos, Naive Americans, and Asians. These diversity numbers apply to both gender and ethnicity.

"We are fortunate to be one of the several Judicial Districts in in Kansas where judges are appointed rather than elected. This tends to take party politics out of the process. Judges are first nominated by a Nominating Commission established by law in the districts where there is an open position. This Commission is the key to building a more diverse judicial system in Kansas. For those present who are unfamiliar with the process here is a brief description.

"In Judicial Districts such as ours that include two counties the Board of County Commissioners of each of the counties shall appoint two non lawyers to serve for four year terms on the Nominating Commission. Those appointed must be certified to the clerk of the Supreme Court on or before February 15 of the year in which terms of office commence.

"Lawyer members of the Nominating Commission are elected by the lawyers who are qualified electors of the Judicial District and who are registered with the Clerk of the Supreme Court. In a judicial district consisting of two counties, four lawyer members shall be elected. No mention is made of the county residence of these nominees.

"A Supreme Court Justice is assigned to each Judicial District to provide oversight of the Nominating Commission. Presently the oversight judge for our Judicial District is Judge Marla Luckert. More information is included in the information packet.

"Today we want to emphasize the importance of your selections to this Nominating Commission. In 2012 you will be nominating to members to the Commission. Your careful Consideration of diversity at this level will help ensure the Nomination Commission's consideration of diversity as it carefully selects competent judiciary candidates. We are especially interested in how the search for these candidates is conducted and the process used to make the final selection.

"A part of our effort in Riley County and adjacent counties is to encourage students, regardless of background and gender, to learn all they can about the legal system so that more students from diverse backgrounds will aspire to be a part of that system. We will also be encouraging public school teachers and college professors to assist them in their efforts.

"On September 15, 2010, during Constitution Week, the League of Women Voters of Manhattan/Riley County has invited Kansas Supreme Court Justice Marla Luckert speak at Form Hall at Kansas State University. Her speech will be followed by a panel discussion regarding judicial diversity issues. We invite you to attend this public discussion as we explore all aspects of the issue. You will be receiving more information regarding this event and Constitution Week at K-State.

"A continuance of the status quo in the Judiciary system will affect the way citizens look at the role courts play in their communities and their lives. Unless the Court system if perceived to be fair and impartial it will erode the trust that our citizens have in the court system.

"For more information contact: Jean Lee 537-9372 or Barbara Withee 539-9440"

Johnette Shepek, Budget and Finance Officer, presented a clarification of the budgeting process of the RCPD, and the impact of hiring eleven (11) correction officers to man the soon-to-be-opened new part of the jail. By means of using carryover funds from 2009 Budget instead of waiting for budgeting the $125,195.50 cost in following years, it is possible to "swallow the bulge" sooner rather than later. Commissioners and RcCPD Director Schoen agreed that we must have the Officers hired to serve starting January 2011. Trying to hire for only nine months or six months would be simply postponing the budgetary pain, not avoiding it. This decision, by consensus, was influenced by the cost of "farming out" prisoners to other counties, including transportation costs for Court appearances, etc.

Commissioners and Human Resources Director began preparing for the interview of a job applicant for a County position, to be conducted in Executive Session.

Submitted by Lyndal Nyberg

Riley County Commission April 26, 2010

Joan Strickler, observer

All Commissioners present, Kearns presiding.

County Counselor Clancy Holeman agreed to contact the local legislators about arranging a conference to discuss legislative issues with the Commissioners.

Bob Isaac, Planner, presented a request for a plat and rezone of agricultural property during a public hearing. The request scored low on the LESA tool created by the Vision 2025 study group to guide rezoning decisions in traditionally agricultural areas. The Planning Committee, in spite of the low rating, recommended approval of the request and the Commissioners voted their approval.

Judge Miller described the effect funding cut-backs have had on the local court system. Due to furloughs, staff are opening two days of mail today and dealing with two days of court filings. One clerk is resigning and they are operating at approximately 50% staff capacity. He described the situation as bleak.

Laurie Harrison, Emergency Management Coordinator, announced the final public meeting for discussion and input on the Riley County Hazard Mitigation Plan will be held at 6:30 pm, May 10, at Courthouse Plaza East. The plan deals with ways to lessen the impact of a disaster event. The Commissioners emphasized the need to contact Homeland Security to identify a contact person to be assigned to work with the County since Manhattan has been designated as the location for the new National Bio and Agro-Defence Facility research institute.

County Appraiser Greg McHenry reported a 1.4% increase over last year in Riley County’s 2010 total appraised valuation for real estate. The increase is the result of new construction, primarily in the residential area. The certification of personal property valuation is expected to occur by June 15th.

Riley County Treasurer Eileen King announced the second half of 2009 taxes are due Monday, May 10, 2010. All C-D vehicle license tags are up for renewal. New plates are being issued during the current year.

USD 383 Board of Education

April 21, 2010

Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Regular meeting:

The board was presented with the schematic design plans for Bluemont Elementary. The plans call for adding classrooms immediately to the west of the existing 1950s wing and adding infill between the gym addition and the limestone portion of the building. The original historic entrance will remain unchanged on the exterior, but the interior stairs will be removed and a mechanical space will be created in that location. The board approved the plans 6-0.

The construction documents for Lee Elementary were presented to the board along with a plan for how construction will occur while school is in session. The Lee project will be going out for bid soon. The board approved the construction documents 6-0.

The board approved 6-0 a change order of $18,563.46 to replace carpeting at Ogden Elementary that will be removed to lay plumbing lines in the floor and to remove asbestos-backed floor tiles. The board approved 6-0 a bid of $10,254 to relocate Northview Elementary's learning garden as part of the school's construction project.

BOCC April 19, 2010

Board of County Commissioners April 19, 2010.

Julie Merklin observer

McCulloh and Kearns present


Rod Meredith listed some park project plans including the completion of lighting and signage at Rocky Ford Outdoor recreation area, repairs for Wild Cat Park including the restroom, Ci Co Park restroom repair, and a trail along Casement Road from Marlatt to Barnes Road Bridge.
Meredith also showed proposed plans to improve the Overlook south of town on K177. with a trail, and an improved interpretive station.

Johnette Shepek, Budget Finance Officer presented the 2011 Budget Baseline report. She presented the 2010 budget and the 2009 actual values for each department plus the 2009 Department Budget Analysis, which compares the 2009 Budget for Personnel Services and Contractual Services, Commodities and Capital Outlay (the 3 C’s) to the 2009 Actual Expenditures in each category as well as the overall Department Total.

Clancey Holeman presented the contract for provision of Medical services at the jail. This will also go to the law board.

The Board accepted the temporary resignation of Commissioner Johnson from the Law board and voted to appoint Commissioner McCulloh temporarily to that position. She will be sworn in at the Law Board at their meeting later today.

USD 383 Board of Education

April 14, 2010
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Special meeting:
The board held a special meeting on the budget. One budget item that received considerable discussion was the starting and ending dates for the 2010-11 school year. Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, proposed that the school day be lengthened 10 minutes for the 2010-11 school year, and then the overall school year could be shortened by 4 days, resulting in an estimated savings of $20,000 per day. Board members debated at length whether to start the school year 4 days later in August and possibly save more in cooling costs, end the school year 4 days earlier in May and provide a longer summer for construction projects, or to split up the 4 days between August and May. Doug Messer and Pete Paukstelis favored creating a longer summer for construction projects, and the remaining board members preferred starting later in August. The board approved 5-2 to begin the 2010-11 school year 4 days later in August, with Paukstelis and Messer dissenting.

Board members had previously been asked to indicate their approval/disapproval to eliminate or reduce items that the Budget Advisory Committee and the superintendent had recommended for consideration to reduce the budget, and the board spent time discussing the items where there had been disagreement. Board members worked through the list of items to determine which items the majority wanted to keep on the list and which items the board didn't support eliminating for now. Some of the items the board was in agreement to consider eliminating included reducing employee overtime, eliminating a communications position, eliminating MAP testing for kindergarteners, reducing supply budgets by 10%, and eliminating a high school assistant principal. Some of the items the board was not supportive of eliminating included reducing funds for middle school instructional field trips, eliminating a middle school Spanish teacher, and not cleaning Bishop Stadium following events.

The board accepted comments from the public. Speakers supported keeping low student-teacher ratios, enhancing revenue, keeping the autism program coordinator, and keeping the high school assistant principal.

The board planned to discuss more of the proposed budget cuts at a future meeting.

Riley County Commission

Joan Strickler, observer

April 12, 2010

All Commissioners present, Kearns presiding.

The Commissioners agreed to table action on a proposed resolution on attendance requirements for advisory boards and committees.

The Commissioners asked Public Works Director Leon Hobson to develop an issue paper describing the possible impact on the jail of waiting to hire any new jailers until the middle of 2011. Also mentioned was the potential high cost impact to the County for providing for ongoing dialysis health care treatments to an inmate.

Mention was made of the report on salaries of public employees now being published in the Manhattan Mercury. Commissioner Kearns observed that the article pointed out the salary increases were well above the cost of living index over the period studied, but failed to mention the impact of implementing the recommendations of the McGrath Report. That report determined the salaries locally were low and non-competitive with other comparable entities in the area. Wages were adjusted in line with the recommendations in the study.

Cheryl Collins, director of the Riley County Museum, announced an Open House at the Wolf House will be held Sunday, April 25, from 2pm to 5pm. The dining room has been renovated through donations and a grant from the Caroline Peine Charitable Foundation. Commissioners expressed appreciation for the luncheon they enjoyed recently at the House.

The Historical Society will hold a dinner meeting at 6:30 pm, Thursday, April 22, at the Public Works Building. A presentation will be made on the 1918 influenza pandemic and the impact on the local area.

Approximately 45volunteers helped fight13 pasture fires that went out of control on Sunday. A total of 137 controlled burns took place that day. It is estimated more than 50 percent of the pasture burning has been completed.

The Commissioners asked Leon Hopkins to submit a Committee Agenda Report regarding his proposal to expedite the design process on small construction projects through the use of engineering consultants.

Cheryl Collins introduced Bob Workman, Discovery Center Director. He reported on activities to date and anticipates construction to take about a year. The opening of the Center is projected for spring of 2012.

Observer Report

Riley County-Manhattan Board of Health

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

The major issue for this board meeting was presentation of the
proposed budget and the difficulties the economic recession is presenting.
Administrator Charles Murphy stated that the agency historically has taken every measure possible to fund activities out of State and Federal sources and successfully writing and winning grants in order to save local tax payers as much as possible. Charles Murphy stated that this method has saved between $500,000 and $1,000,000 a year when compared to other similar sized health departments
Estimated income cuts for 2010 amount to $275.177 while the need for services increase. These include expected Federal, State, and grant cuts. As these funds dry up support for services will depend, at least in part, on local funding. The department will continue to seek more grant funding to try to offset the losses and there have been considerable losses of personnel and shifting of responsibilities to try to deal with the shortfalls.
In conjunction with the discussion of the budget, the board discussed the fact that the City Commission had not elected to fund the food service and sanitation activities. The funding which had come from the state was cut and sent to the State's Department of Agriculture. The board decided to send the president Brady Burton and board member Dr. Derek Mosier, and any other board members who can attend to the next meeting of the city commission, to support Mr. Murphy as he seeks funds to continue the sanitation services of the Health Department. Mr. Murphy contended at the February board meeting, and there was general agreement then, that the state could not adequately inspect the number of food services in the county to provide safety for the county’s citizens. At the last board meeting the board seemed to agree that food inspection and water safety were fundamental services that the Health Department should provide. However, at the this meeting, Lauren Palmer, board member representing the city staff, reported that she did not find ordinances that directed that the Health Department had to be the entity to carry out food inspection.
Returning to the budget issue, and after considerable discussion the board directed Mr. Murphy to come back to the next meeting with a list of cuts that would have to be made depending on the level of support that the local funds could provide. Karen McCulloh. representative of the county government noted that” people need to know what is going to be lost. Several members, particularly the representatives of the city and county, noted that “there simply is no money“ to replace the lost funding.

The board reviewed the proposed changes in the By-Laws and approved them.

Dr. Paul Benne, who represents Fort Riley, had requested that a discussion of Electronic Cigarettes be on this meeting's agenda . He presented information about electronic cigarettes, although noting that there is not a lot known about the effects on the person smoking them nor on those who might also inhale the vapor that is produced . Dr. Benne suggested that it might behoove the board and the Health Department to try to be ahead of the curve and investigate.

Sue Cohen, Observer

USD 383 Board of Education

April 7, 2010
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Regular meeting:
Gould Evans, the architecture firm working on the MHS and Bishop Stadium construction projects, presented the board with an update. The architects presented a schedule for how projects will be phased so that work can be ongoing while school is in session. The MHS principal also said school administration will be proactive about making sure students are aware of parking changes and other site changes when school resumes in August. The architects also presented plans for improving the restrooms, locker rooms, and concession stand at Bishop Stadium.

The board reviewed information about a proposed autism summer camp that had been presented at a previous meeting. The camp has been privately developed and will be funded through grants and fees, and the only expense to the district would be the use of a facility. The camp will accept out-of-district students, and Nancy Knopp expressed concerns that a higher fee was not going to be charged for out-of-district students. The board approved 6-1 to allow the camp to use a district building, with Mrs. Knopp dissenting.

Board members were presented with a recommendation from the textbook adoption committee regarding the preferred curriculum for students in grades K-5. The committee's recommendation was "Math in Focus," which is a more rigorous program and will better prepare students to take Algebra I in 7th grade. Board members expressed concerns that "Math in Focus" was not the top choice of many of the elementary teachers, and they didn't want to be purchasing materials that teachers wouldn't want to use. A few teachers addressed the board and said that it had been difficult to decide between the curriculum options and said that "Math in Focus" had been one of their top two choices. The board approved 7-0 to adopt the "Math in Focus" curriculum.

Dr. Bob Shannon, Superintendent, presented a recommendation to end the 2009-10 school year one day early. Twelve minutes had been added to the school day beginning in February to make up time missed due to inclement weather. No additional days were missed due to inclement weather, so enough time will have been made up to cover the missed days as well as an additional day. Ending the school year a day early would result in cost savings from food service and transportation. Pete Paukstelis suggested that teachers could still be required to report for the last day for professional development. The board approved 6-1 to end the current school year one day early, with Mr. Paukstelis dissenting.

USD 383 Board of Education

March 31, 2010
Kathy Dzewaltowski, observer

Special meeting:
The board met to examine the proposed budget cuts for Tier 1 (i.e. first items to be eliminated) to determine which items the board was in agreement about and which would require additional information or discussion. The board also discussed possible revenue sources and accepted public comment.

Some of the items that the board was in agreement should remain on Tier 1 included closing MHS and one middle school for June and July, reducing the number of assistant coaches, reducing overtime, reducing contracted services for special education, closing 2 rooms for special education at Stone House Early Childhood Center, reducing computer software upgrades, and changing thermostat settings.

Revenue options that the board indicated an interest in discussing further included items such as increasing lunch and textbook rental fees, raising the Local Option Budget by 1%, discussing with the city the possibility of levying a quarter-cent sales tax, selling ad space on the district's web site, and pursuing corporate sponsorships for school newsletters.

Ten citizens spoke to the board about the proposed budget cuts. The district's autism coordinator position is being considered for elimination, and the majority of the speakers were in favor of retaining the autism coordinator position. Other speakers supported retaining social workers or spoke about the value of elementary band and orchestra.